Any insectivorous pet bird species?

[paul112]

Hey,
I was just curious if there are any bird species (common to the pet trade) that can be kept on a predominantly insect diet? Are there any that are insectivores in the wild, and simply have a more 'convenient' diet in captivity, or are they all seed-eating species?
Thanks,
Paul

 

[logo]

There aren't any species of bird that I know of that eats a diet exclusivedly of insects. Most kinds will eat insects but this is more of a treat to them and not a staple they will still need pellets, seeds/grains, veggies, and fruit.

 

[FishingOut]

Just be carful of this.http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news-lite/97-news/4613-pet-vulture-attacks-kids-genitals.html

 

[manlyfish]

barn swallows only eat bugs but you would never be able to have one of those they eat by swooping in and swallowing the bugs atleast i pretty sure thats all they eat.

 

[paul112]

Ouch, that story is nasty!

What kind of common pet-bird would be more suited to hunting insects then? I don't mind feeding seeds or grain or anything, I'd just like something that would also hunt down the occasional cricket or mealworm, even if only for a treat.

Paul

 

[ceeej31]

a lot of people keep softbills, many of which are insectivorous

 

[logo]

If you only want it as something that you can give to them occasionally then most species of birds would fit the bill. Softbills do eat insects and I know several people who also offer mealworms and waxworms to their parrots as a treat.